Italy--Verona, Rome and Florence
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The Forum, where public activity was centered in ancient Rome. The setting sun's rays lit the Colossum in the background.
Another view, encompassing part of the Forum and the Colosseum, taken after moonrise.
Another view of a portion of the Forum, after the moonrise.
Statue of Marcus Aurelius outside the Capitoline Museum, taken at sunset.
Inside the Capitoline Museum is the original Marcus Aurelius statue. Aurelius, the last of the five "good" emperors, was also a philosopher, known for his work "Meditations." He was born in 121 A.D.
In the Piazza Navona, our favorite piazza in Rome, is Bernini's statue of the Moor. Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers stands at the opposite end of the piazza.
My impression when I see new, modern advertising (permitted to assist in financing restoration), is the Moor looking up, amazed at what he is seeing.
Caravaggio Painting in the Capitoline Museum, "The Fortune Teller."
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Sculpture of Medusa in the Capitoline Museum
Gilded Bronze statue of Hercules, 2nd Century B.C., Capitoline Museum
Patron study at a typical cafe. Piazza Navona.
I always take a photo with this perspective--Caffe Tazza D'Oro (absolute best coffee drinks in Rome), with modern citizens moving towards the ancient Pantheon.
I also always take a first day "arrival" photo of Sherry.
Classical Concert at the Borgello Museum, Florence
We were lucky enough to arrive in Florence during the Firenze Jazz Festival.
Firenze Jazz Festival
Robin Eubanks
Jazz Festival
On to Verona. This is the Arena di Verona, built in the first century, predating the Colosseum in Rome. Today, large scale opera performances take place during the summer months in the Arena.
Earlier in the day, we met two (very tall) members of the Slovenia Women's National Basketball team. One of them took this photo. (I hope their shots on the court are a bit more focused).
By happenstance, we arrived in Verona during a Festival featuring outdoor events and contests. This "tug of war" was won by the kids, of course.
Members of the real Tug of War team.
This was a barrel rolling contest for kids and parents. Alot of fun.
Other contestants.
Of course--Juliet's Balcony
Ancient synagogue in Verona
